This Crock Pot French Toast Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that’s easy to make! It’s filled with fluffy bread soaked in a sweet egg mixture, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch.
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare—just mix, pour, and let the slow cooker do its magic. Grab a fork, and you’ll be in breakfast heaven in no time! 🍴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: Using a loaf of French bread is key for a fluffy texture. You can substitute with brioche or challah if you prefer a sweeter taste. Day-old bread works great too as it soaks up the liquid better!
Eggs: The eggs give structure and richness. If you need a vegan option, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for a similar binding effect.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk keeps it creamy while heavy cream adds richness. You can swap with almond milk or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free version. Use coconut cream for extra creaminess in a dairy-free recipe!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar sweetens the dish, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar alternative like maple syrup or agave if you’re looking to cut down on refined sugar.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch! If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture.
How Do I Ensure the Casserole Sets Perfectly in the Crock Pot?
The key to a well-set casserole lies in the mixing and cooking time. Make sure the bread is well-coated and let it soak up the egg mixture for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps it absorb flavors and moisture.
- After pouring the mixture into the Crock Pot, give it a gentle stir, ensuring even distribution of bread and egg mixture.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it can let heat escape and affect cooking time.
Finally, every Crock Pot varies in temperature, so check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean when the casserole is ready!
How to Make Crock Pot French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes (about 10-12 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Butter (for greasing the Crock Pot)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot French Toast Casserole requires about 15 minutes of prep time, and it cooks for 6-7 hours in the Crock Pot. It’s great to make in the morning before starting your day or for a cozy brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Start by greasing the inside of your Crock Pot with some butter. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the pot and make it easier to serve later.
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Keep mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Add the Bread:
Now, gently add the cubes of French bread into the egg mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together, ensuring that all the bread pieces get coated with the mixture. If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them in as well!
4. Pour into the Crock Pot:
Carefully pour the bread and egg mixture into the greased Crock Pot, spreading it out evenly. This will help it cook uniformly!
5. Cook the Casserole:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is set and the top looks lightly golden.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully scoop portions onto plates while it’s still warm. Drizzle a little maple syrup on top for added sweetness! Enjoy your delightful breakfast treat!
This Crock Pot French Toast Casserole is a perfect dish for any breakfast or brunch gathering, offering a warm and comforting meal that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While French bread works great, you can use challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread for different flavors and textures. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption of the egg mixture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Overnight?
To prepare it overnight, simply follow the recipe instructions up to step 4, then cover the assembled casserole and refrigerate it. In the morning, place the Crock Pot on low and cook for 6-8 hours. This way, it’s ready to serve when you wake up!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave or place in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just substitute the French bread with a gluten-free bread of your choice. Check the ingredients to ensure it fits your dietary needs and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
